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The Importance of Wearing Good Shoes While Traveling: Protecting Your Feet on Your Adventures

The Importance of Wearing Good Shoes While Traveling: Protecting Your Feet on Your Adventures

Erica E.
Tips and Tricks
Jan 2, 2025
484
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Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but it often requires a lot of walking, exploring, and navigating through various environments. Whether you're wandering through cobblestone streets in an old European city, strolling along a sandy beach, or enjoying a dip in a poolside resort, one thing that’s often overlooked is the importance of wearing proper footwear. In fact, what you wear on your feet can make a huge difference in your comfort and overall health while traveling.

In this post, we'll explore why wearing the right shoes is crucial for your travel experience and how certain activities or environments can lead to foot pain and even long-term injury if you're not careful.

1. Walking Barefoot on Uneven Surfaces: The Hidden Dangers

It’s easy to feel the urge to kick off your shoes when you're walking barefoot on soft sand or taking a barefoot stroll along the beach. While it may feel liberating and relaxing in the moment, it can also lead to serious foot issues.

Walking barefoot on uneven surfaces, like sandy beaches or rocky paths, can strain your feet in ways you might not expect. The lack of support from shoes means your muscles, tendons, and ligaments are working overtime to stabilize your feet. Over time, this strain can cause pain and even lead to injuries such as plantar fasciitis, a common condition that causes sharp heel pain.

Additionally, walking barefoot exposes your feet to the risk of cuts, scrapes, and even infections from sharp objects or bacteria in the sand. The beach might feel soft and pleasant, but the uneven terrain combined with lack of support can be a recipe for disaster.

Tip: If you're walking on uneven surfaces, especially for extended periods, it’s wise to wear a pair of supportive sandals or water shoes with a sturdy sole. This will help cushion your feet and provide the necessary arch support to avoid discomfort and injury.

Here are some of our favourites!

2. The Slippery Poolside: Protecting Yourself from Slips and Falls

Another common scenario that many travelers encounter is walking around pool areas. While poolside lounging may sound like the ultimate vacation activity, the pool’s wet, slippery surface can pose a serious hazard. Many vacationers make the mistake of walking barefoot on these slippery tiles, only to slip and fall, resulting in injuries like sprained ankles or bruised knees.

In addition to slips and falls, walking barefoot by the pool can expose your feet to fungal infections like athlete’s foot. These infections thrive in damp, warm environments, making pool areas a prime breeding ground. And let’s not forget about the hot pavement or tiles around the poolside, which can burn your feet when walking barefoot.

Tip: To avoid slipping and the risk of fungal infections, always wear non-slip pool shoes or flip-flops while by the water. Opt for footwear with rubber soles that provide traction and can protect you from the elements.

3. Exploring Cities: The Risk of Wearing the Wrong Shoes for Walking

When you're out sightseeing in a new city or hiking through a natural park, the last thing you want is foot pain to slow you down. The wrong shoes can cause blisters, calluses, and even long-term injuries like tendinitis or stress fractures. Many tourists fall into the trap of thinking a cute pair of sandals or fashionable shoes will suffice for a full day of walking. While they might look great, they often lack the arch support, cushioning, and stability your feet need for extended walks.

Moreover, if you're walking for hours on cobblestone streets or rocky trails, inadequate shoes can cause your feet to work harder than necessary. This can lead to fatigue, pain, and more serious conditions like shin splints or plantar fasciitis.

Tip: Choose footwear that combines both comfort and support. Opt for cushioned sneakers, hiking boots, or orthotic-friendly sandals that provide arch support and protect your feet. If you're planning on walking a lot, make sure your shoes are broken in and offer proper padding to absorb shock.

Here are some of our most popular stylish brand choices for travelling!

4. Customizing Your Travel Footwear for the Trip

No two travel experiences are the same, which is why it's important to choose shoes based on the specific activities you'll be doing. For instance:

City Exploration: A good pair of comfortable sneakers or walking shoes will provide the necessary arch support and cushioning for long days on your feet.
Beach Days: Sandals or water shoes with a contoured footbed can give your feet the support they need while walking on sand or through water.
Hiking or Nature Trips: If your travels include hiking or walking on rugged terrain, a durable pair of hiking boots or trail shoes is essential for keeping your feet safe from rocks, dirt, and uneven ground.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Feet

Your feet are your foundation when you're traveling, and without proper support, they can quickly become a source of pain and frustration. Whether you're walking barefoot on the beach, by the pool, or strolling through a city, wearing the right shoes can help prevent discomfort, injuries, and long-term damage.

By choosing shoes that are both functional and comfortable, you can ensure that your travels are more enjoyable, free from foot pain, and safer. Your feet will thank you for the extra care, and you'll be able to explore the world without worrying about sore feet slowing you down.

Happy travels—and remember: a good trip starts from the ground up!

Erica E.

Marketing, Advertising + Web Development

Meet Erica, the seasoned author behind Canadian Footwear's insightful blogs. With over a decade at Canadian Footwear, Erica's journey has spanned from fitting specialist to store manager, E-Commerce assistant, and head of marketing. Her passion lies in unraveling the technology of footwear, particularly in the dynamic realm of running shoes.